Sector Productivity: Insights from the Microsoft 365 Copilot Government Experiment
In a landmark initiative to explore how artificial intelligence can enhance productivity within the public sector, the UK government recently published its findings from the “Microsoft 365 Copilot Experiment: Cross-Government Findings Report.” This cross-departmental trial set out to assess the real-world value of Microsoft 365 Copilot, measuring improvements in efficiency, task completion, and user satisfaction across a large and diverse segment of the civil service. The results offer compelling evidence that AI-powered tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot are not just promising innovations—they are essential enablers of a smarter, faster, and more resilient government workforce.
Demonstrated Efficiency Gains: Saving Time Where It Matters
At the heart of the trial’s success was a striking and consistent finding: participants saved an average of 26 minutes per day using Microsoft 365 Copilot. These time savings were observed across all grades and professions, from policy advisors to project managers, regardless of individual digital skill levels. While usage varied—from drafting emails and summarising documents to automating repetitive tasks—the net benefit was clear: Copilot helped civil servants reclaim valuable time to focus on more impactful work.
Enabling Strategic Thinking Through AI
More than 70% of users reported that Microsoft 365 Copilot significantly reduced time spent on low-value, repetitive tasks and made it easier to locate and process information. This freed users to concentrate on higher-value strategic thinking and decision-making. The tool’s ability to summarise complex threads, suggest content, and synthesise documents had a tangible impact on how participants worked—not only faster, but smarter.
Realistic Insights into Limitations and Risks
The report does not shy away from acknowledging the limitations experienced during the trial. In particular, security concerns and data handling restrictions constrained some users from applying Copilot to more sensitive or complex tasks. Similarly, while Copilot was highly effective in routine or structured work, its capabilities were more limited when addressing nuanced or data-heavy challenges. These findings highlight the importance of clear governance, user training, and robust data policies to fully unlock the technology’s potential.
Positive User Sentiment and Widespread Support
The human response to the Copilot trial was striking. A resounding 82% of participants stated they would not want to return to working without the tool. Satisfaction scored 7.7 out of 10, while the recommendation score reached 8.2 out of 10—figures that would be enviable for any digital service rollout. Beyond productivity, users recognised Copilot as a transformative tool that signalled meaningful change within their roles and organisations.
Accessibility and Inclusion: A Hidden Strength
One of the most promising insights from the experiment was Copilot’s positive impact on users with accessibility needs. Whether through voice commands, text summarisation, or simplified document generation, the tool supported users who previously faced barriers in their daily work. This suggests significant untapped potential in harnessing AI to improve inclusion and equity across the public workforce—an area ripe for future investment and exploration.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
The Microsoft 365 Copilot Experiment has provided a powerful blueprint for how AI can be ethically and effectively integrated into government operations. With demonstrated time savings, enhanced satisfaction, and strong support from users, Microsoft 365 Copilot stands out as a transformative tool for modernising public service delivery.
The Microsoft 365 Copilot Experiment has provided a powerful blueprint for how AI can be ethically and effectively integrated into government operations. With demonstrated time savings, enhanced satisfaction, and strong support from users, Microsoft 365 Copilot stands out as a transformative tool for modernising public service delivery.
At Insentra, we specialise in helping organisations prepare for successful Copilot adoption. From ensuring data readiness and addressing security concerns to optimising licensing, change management, and user training, we provide the strategic guidance and technical expertise needed to unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365 Copilot. As trusted advisors, we partner with organisations to create a clear, tailored roadmap for Copilot integration—empowering teams, increasing productivity, and driving meaningful digital transformation.
